Game Recaps

Oystrick's Shootout Winner Lifts Rivermen Over Rockford2010-11-21

The Peoria Rivermen edged the Rockford IceHogs 3-2 in a
shootout at Carver Arena on Sunday to finish off a 3-0-0 weekend. Nathan Oystrick’s goal in regulation and
game-winning shootout goal, along with stellar goaltending from rookie Jake
Allen aided in the win that pushed Peoria’s record to 4-2-0 on their current
homestand.

The Rivermen scored the first and only goal of a fast paced
and physical first period on Oystrick’s fourth of the year. Dave Spina fired a
shot that hit off Alec Richards’ blocker; the long and high rebound fell at the
feet of Oystrick at the top of the right circle and he buried a turn-around
slapshot over the glove of Richards. Derek Nesbitt also recorded an assist on Oystrick’s
first goal since Oct. 15.

Rockford struck 23 seconds into the second when Jeremy Morin
wristed one by Allen for his sixth of the year. IceHogs defenseman Nick Leddy
added the lone helper on the goal that evened the score at one.

The Rivermen answered at 3:57 when Spina tallied his third
of the season on the power play. Allen started the play by relaying a pass to
Ian Cole. Cole then found a streaking Spina who flew by Igor Makarov and beat
Richards through the five-hole.

Shortly after Ryan Reaves and Kyle Hagel dropped the gloves
midway through the period, the IceHogs managed to tie the game at two. Brian
Connelley’s slap shot from the point was redirected off a Peoria shin pad in
the slot and found its way past Allen for his first of the year at 9:44. Rob
Klinkhammer and Leddy assisted on the goal, giving Leddy two helpers on the
night.

Allen faced an onslaught of 20 Rockford shots in the middle
frame and made 18 saves. Peoria was outshot in the second 20-6 and at the end
of two periods and were outshot 27-14 after 40 minutes.

The Rivermen outshot the IceHogs 10-9 in a back and forth,
but scoreless, third period. In overtime, Peoria was outshot 5-0 but Allen
turned all of them away forcing a shootout.

In the shootout, after the first three shooters missed for
both sides and Brand Bollig missed for Rockford, Peoria’s Graham Mink, put a
high shot by the glove of Richards forcing Rockford to score and extend the
shootout. Hugh Jesslman converted with a shot through the legs of Allen. The
Rivermen could have iced the game if Adam Cracknell scored as the fifth shooter,
but Richards stood tall forcing extra shooters.

Rockford sent out Shawn Lalonde as their first extra shooter
and he fired a shot high and wide off the glass. Peoria’s Nathan Oystrick got
the call from head coach Jared Bednar and Oystrick’s slap shot from the middle
of the slot beat Richards low stick side to cap off the undefeated weekend.

Despite being outshot 41-25 in regulation and overtime, the
Rivermen collected the win bringing them to 12-7-0-1 which is good for 25
points and second place in the West Division. The Rivermen currently trail San
Antonio by only four points.

The
Rivermen welcome the Chicago Wolves to town Friday at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are on
sale during special Black Friday box office hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with
upper bowl seats available for $5 and lower bowl tickets on sale for $10. Every person who purchases tickets during
those hours will be registered a cruise or two flight vouchers. For
more information call 309-676-1040.